I'm a homeowner, not a builder or carpenter. The front entry with attached wood deck has developed rot under the floor at the door of the entry. We had the entry added by a builder about 6 years ago. Even when it was new, I wondered about the fact that the wood for the attached deck was right up against the house. Of course, the builder put metal flashing on the house part. The builder has come to look and is surprised. As yet, we haven't torn up the vinyl tiles by the door to closely examine the problem but this will happen. In the meantime, I am hoping that you experts might weigh in on whether a gap to let rain and snow melt drain is a good idea at the place where the deck and the house meet. Thanks.
Should there be a gap between house & deck?
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You have a leak in the flashing, or a poor slope, or both.
It is acceptable to have a "stand-off" space between the house and deck, if necessary, but most often it is not done that way.
Pictures are a HUGE help here, we can't see what you see otherwise.
ED
It is acceptable to have a "stand-off" space between the house and deck, if necessary, but most often it is not done that way.
Pictures are a HUGE help here, we can't see what you see otherwise.
ED
Mine was built flush with the transom, for the elderly lady that lived here, by me. over 20 years ago.
Mom needed it to be as easy as possible to get in / out.
I built in a space for snowmelt, rainwater to drain away from the house intentionally.
And it is as sound as the day that I completed it.
But I have always built for the worst scenario thinkable, just in case.
ED
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A stand off deck is the best way to build the deck level. Our code is a 6" step down unless it is protected from the rain.
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It can be attached or free standing. In our town, they tax it if it is attached and they don’t tax it if it is free standing. Needless to say, mine is not attached.
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